Sweatbox

Synopsis

HMP Bronzefield, within the claustrophobic confines of a prison van.

Three women, their fates intertwined by the criminal justice system, share their stories in the back of a real prison van. As they are transported from court to prison, from prison to prison, and from prison back to court, they confront their fears, hopes, and the stark reality of their situation. The van’s confining space amplifies their emotions, turning it into a moving microcosm of the prison experience.

Sweatbox offers a gripping, immersive theatrical experience, taking place within an actual prison van, and is designed to be viewed by a small audience of up to 12 people. The play, originally directed by Imogen Ashby and revived by Anna Herrmann, provides an intimate look at the lives of incarcerated women, highlighting themes of justice, confinement, and female resilience. The narrative is raw and immediate, delivered through powerful monologues and interactions that reveal the personal impact of institutionalisation.